BBC is stripped of prime slot on Hong Kong public radio

HONG Kong’s public broadcaster has demoted the BBC World Service – replacing much of its output with state radio.

The channel will now only be transmitted overnight and occasionally at weekends. Its replacement – China National Radio – is a state-run outlet that carries no sensitive or critical reporting on Beijing.

Critics say the move shows China is taking a tighter grip on the former British colony. An online petition has been started calling for the decision to be reversed, saying the switch will make Hong Kong ‘feel more parochial and inward-looking’.

A spokesman for the Hong Kong broadcaster – RTHK – said the change was not motivated by political considerations and was aimed at enhancing cultural exchanges. But a senior editorial employee at RTHK, who declined to be identified, said: ‘Nobody knew anything about it. We were told in a meeting just before it was announced.

‘People see it as a negative thing. The BBC is generally regarded as independent, and Chinese state media is not.’

A BBC spokesman said last night: ‘We’re always disappointed when a service our listeners are used to changes, but we are doing everything we can to ensure we continue to reach our audiences.’

World Service is available on BBC iPlayer and the RTHK FM Radio 4 website.